Dallas-based Mesa Power LLP, a company created by energy executive T. Boone Pickens, has placed an order with GE to purchase 667 wind turbines capable of generating 1,000 MW. GE plans to deliver the 1.5 MW wind turbines in 2010 and 2011.

The agreement represents the first phase of the four-phase Pampa Wind Project that will become the world's largest wind energy project, with an expected capacity of more than 4,000 MW. When all phases of the project are completed as projected in 2014, the wind farm will be five times as big as the nation's current largest wind power project, now producing 736 MW, according to Mesa Power.

The first phase of the project is expected to cost about $2 billion, and electricity will be online by early 2011. When complete, the Pampa Wind Project will cover some 400,000 acres in the Texas panhandle.

Mesa Power has nominated its wind turbine output to be delivered by Texas' Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZs) transmission lines. The CREZ transmission lines will benefit Texas electric users by delivering them cost-effective and reliable electricity generated by renewable energy power projects.

"We are making Pampa the wind capital of the world," says Pickens. "It's clear that landowners and local officials understand the economic benefits that this renewable energy can bring not only to landowners who are involved with the project, but also in revitalizing an area that has struggled in recent years."

Mesa Power has leased land in Carson, Gray, Hemphill, Roberts and Wheeler counties, where the landowners will receive annual royalties for the wind turbines operating on their property.

SOURCE: Mesa Power LLP

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